Fast X might have some good stunts and a great over-the-top villain performance from Jason Momoa, but otherwise you really couldn’t care about any of these characters. Perhaps it’s worth a rental especially if you’ve made it this far in the franchise but it is running out of steam at this juncture.
Fast X
— Collector’s Edition —
(2023)
Genre(s): Action, Adventure
Universal Pictures | PG13 – 140 min. – $0.00 | August 8, 2023
Date Published: 08/07/2023 | Author: The Movieman
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Universal. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
Note: The screen captures were taken from the included Blu-ray disc.
THE MOVIE — 2½/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Ever since their saga started on the streets of L.A.’s underground racing scene, Dom Toretto (VIN DIESEL) and his family have overcome impossible odds to outsmart, out-nerve and outdrive every foe. Yet when the team took down a nefarious kingpin back in Brazil, they had no idea his son Dante (JASON MOMOA) was watching from the shadows. More lethal than any other enemy they’ve faced, Dante now rises as a terrifying new nemesis who’s fueled by revenge and determined to shatter their family and destroy everything Dom loves.
Review: The Fast and the Furious franchise has been one that has seen one ridiculous, yet also fun, entry after the other. However, the last two, The Fate of the Furious and F9, for me were certainly over-the-top insane without the entertainment factor. It could be the series has grown tired that even a generally charming ensemble cast can’t save some incredibly stupid plots that make zero sense and twists even less so. Also not helping, the visual effects and action sequences are oft times just a step up from a video game. This was one of my big issues with the Transformers movies because I couldn’t care less about the characters amongst the carnage at the hands of a team of visual effects artists. As for the cast, everyone for sure got a nice paycheck — reportedly the cast got paid $100 million in the massive $325 million budget, $20M of that going to Diesel alone — and I can’t accuse any of them not putting in effort into their “performances”, yet there were times they were going through the motions, plus this ensemble pretty much spends time apart with one set (Tyrese, Ludicrous, Nathalie Emmanuel and Sung Kang) in one storyline; Michelle Rodriguez stuck in a black site prison alongside Charlize Theron’s Cipher; Jon Cena’s Jakob helping Brian Toretto escape the eye of the Agency; and Vin Diesel on his own escaping Jason Momoa’s Dante’s vengeance. So as much as the past two installments weren’t great, I did appreciate the ensemble aspect which was kind of missing this go around. Not sure if there’s more to that behind the scenes with Diesel’s inflated ego but it’s to the film’s detriment.
And you do have a sprinkling of side characters making appearances including Brie Larson as Mr. Nobody’s daughter; Scott Eastwood briefly returning as Little Nobody; Jason Staham, even though is third credited in the end credit scroll, has a few minutes of the screen time, the bulk of which is a fight with Sung Kang’s Han (the beginning of which was shown in the F9 mid-credit scene IIRC); Alan Ritchson as the new head of the Agency hunting down Dom and company; Jordana Brewster who disappears halfway through as I’m sure the writers have no idea what to do with her character given her off-screen life with Brian and son; and last is Daniela Melchior playing Elena’s (Elsa Pataky) sister. And there is a special mention for Jason Momoa who I will say seemed to be having an incredible time as a nonsensical and unabashed villain and he sure has a few head scratching scenes, the most notable one is a conversation with two decomposing bodies of former henchmen; that was something to behold… Action-thriller journeyman Louis Leterrier takes over directing duties after Justin Lin departed only a week into production due to the age-old “creative differences” excuse, which is pretty laughable in a Fast and Furious movie… Still, Leterrier did an adequate job I suppose with a nonsensical and paper-thin plot and action set pieces that went into fantasy land. Outside of the opening shot in Furious 7 directed by James Wan, there’s very little creativity with the direction in these movies.
Fast X is a movie that might keep your attention more for the ridiculousness the franchise is known for but with a lack of caring about any of these characters, this is one I really have little interest in returning to unless I decide to marathon the series once it comes to a conclusion. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 4¼/5 |
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This release comes with a slightly title-embossed slip cover and inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Features are available on both the 4K and Blu-ray discs. Audio Commentary with Director Louis Leterrier as he delves into and breaks down scenes, and also providing some behind-the-scenes stories working with members of the cast and crew. Gag Reel (4:56) finds the cast flubbing lines. This is Family (35:13) goes behind-the-scenes and on the story tying back to Fast Five. Fast Breaks Scene Deconstruction (7:46) finds Louis Leterrier going point by point in how the action sequences were filmed. Xtreme Rides of Fast X (12:54) takes a look at the variety of cars used in the film. Belles of the Brawl (7:14) looks at the fight scene between Michelle Rodriguez and Charlize Theron. Tuned into Rino (5:06) is on filming in Rio de Janeiro and the race sequence. Jason Momoa: Conquering Rome (3:02) — Short featurette showcasing Momoa and the energy he brought to the character. Little B Takes the Wheel (3:05) is on the young actor playing Little Brian. A Friend in the End (1:26) is on the cliffhanger ending. Music Videos:
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4K VIDEO – 4¾/5, BLU-RAY VIDEO – 4½/5 |
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Fast X speeds onto 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray where it’s presented with a 2.39 widescreen aspect ratio and a 2160p and 1080p high-definition transfers, respectively. Detail on both formats look quite good and colors are bright and vibrant which is in keeping with the over-the-top elements of the action set pieces. |
AUDIO – 5/5 |
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If there’s one positive thing you can say about the Fast and Furious franchise is the sound design is generally intense and such is the case for Fast X, both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs come equipped with a strong Dolby Atmos track where every action scene comes to life. All available channels are used to the fullest during those scenes while still providing crisp and clear dialogue mainly from the center channel while others do output good ambient noises. |
OVERALL — 3½/5 |
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Fast X might have some good stunts and a great over-the-top villain performance from Jason Momoa, but otherwise you really couldn’t care about any of these characters, and it’s also an ensemble that spends a significant amount of the running time apart. Perhaps it’s worth a rental especially if you’ve made it this far in the franchise but it is running out of steam at this juncture. |